Yarn cutting apparatus



April 18, 1967 DAWS, JR" ET AL 3,314,150-

YARN CUTTING APPARATUS FHed Oct 23, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS [aye we 1- D/YV/SJ p W w flip d BY m 22 A ril18,1967

' E. L. DAVIS, JR. ET AL YARN CUTTING APPARATUS 3 heets-$heet 2 Filed Oct. 25, 1964 INVENTORS W W D April 18, 1967 DAVIS; JR ET AL I 3,314,150

, YARN CUTTING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 23, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet z INVENTORS ac e 1 Z. pflvis Th.

9/: kid W P d QM/1a 7, My?

United States Patent 3,314,150 YARN (IUT'IING @PPARATUS Eugene L. Davis, Jr., Mechanicsville, and David W. Rudd,

Chesterfield County, Va., assignors to E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DeL, a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 23, 1964, Ser. No. 406,026 3 Claims. (Cl. 30-228) This invention relates to the high speed winding of filaments, yarns and the like and more particularly to a means for facilitating cutting and transfer of filaments or yarns to a waste disposal device.

In the winding of filaments and yarns from a continuous source as in melt spinning of synthetic polymers such as polyamides and polyesters, the advancing yarn must be cut and temporarily disposed of while a full yarn package is being removed. A convenient means of doing this is with a portable aspirator generally referred to as a sucker gun. This device serves to carry the yarn to Waste while a package is being removed and an empty core put in its place and may then be used to wrap the yarn around the core to begin the winding of the new package.

Several methods have been used in the past to perform this operation, one being the use of an operator to cut the running strand with a pair of shears and then manipulate the cut end into the sucker gun. However, with the tendency toward spinning and winding heavier denier yarn such as tire yarn and with increasingly higher speeds, the manual cutting of such running strands has become unduly difiicult, hazardous, time-consuming and costly. Consequently, automatic devices for cutting and transferring the yarn to the sucker gun have been sought. While certain automatic devices developed to date have proved satisfactory at moderately high speeds, their operation at the further increased speeds now required in modern winding apparatus is not altogether satisfactory. Under these conditions, these devices occasionally fail to transfer the yarn into the sucker gun with the result that increased labor on the part of the operator is required and considerable production lost. An improved apparatus for operation at very high speeds is therefore needed.

It is accordingly the primary object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus for cutting a strand running at a very high speed, the device being so designed as to enable entrapment of the advancing strand by a portable sucker gun in a reliable fashion. Another object is to provide a novel assembly having a simple, quick, reliable means to cut a running strand in combination with a means to manipulate a running end of strand into the opening of an air aspirator device. Another object is the provision of an improved cutting device which is automatic in operation and which need not be manually reset after each operation. Still another object is the provision of such an arrangement which protects both operator and machine during the dofling operation. These objects are carried out by means of an improved yarn handling mechanism for maintaining a running yarn line in an operative relationship to (1) the inlet end of a 'portable air-aspirated yarn sucker gun device and (2) a yarn cutter device, and then actuable for cutting the running yarn line and causing the cut end of the incoming yarn line to be inserted into the inlet end of the yarn sucker gun device for tensioning and take'up of the cut end of the incoming yarn line. The mechanism is comprised of a frame, a first cutter element fixedly mounted on said frame, a second cutter element pivotally connected to the first cutter element, a solenoid mounted on the frame for operation in response to a signal, a solenoid plunger connected to the solenoid in operative rela- 3,314,150 Patented Apr. 18, 1967 tionship to the second cutter element whereby energization of the solenoid causes the second cutter element to move into scissoring relationship with the first cutter element. A means to restore the second cutter element to its initial position is also provided along with means to retain the second cutter element in its initial position, and trigger means mounted on the frame for actuating the solenoid. The trigger means is provided with structure defining a recess for receiving the tip of a sucker gun device and longitudinally spaced from the path of the yarn line a substantial distance ahead of the cutter elements.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a device illustrating the principles of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front view of the device of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 of the cutter assembly;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of the scissors assemy;

FIGURE 6 is a plan view of a microswitch for the illustrated device;

FIGURE 7 is a elevation view of the microswitch of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a plan view of the trigger means for the microswitch of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 9 is a side elevation of the trigger means of FIGURE 8;

FIGURE 10 is an end elevation of the trigger means shown in FIGURE 9; and

FIGURE 11 is another embodiment. of the saddle element of the trigger means for the microswitch.

Referring now to the drawings, the component parts of the apparatus are enclosed in a frame 1. Mounted on frame 1 are guide plates 3, 5, and 6 having aligned slots 7, 9, and 10 which provide a guide path for yarn 11. The slots 7 and 9 are fitted with guide elements 13 and 15, respectively, which are made of a material not injurious to the yarn. The front face 17 of frame 1, which is partially removed in order to show the inner workings of the apparatus more clearly, has an enlarged portion 19 through which the tip of a sucker gun not shown may be inserted. Guide plates 3 and 5, together with plate 21 which is optional, serve to retain the yarn in the apparatus during the string-up of a new bobbin.

The cutter assembly shown in detail in FIGURE 3 is mounted on flange 23 which is secured by conventional means to the frame 1. The first cutter element 25 and second cutter element 27 are attached to flange 23 as shown in FIGURE 5 by means of a screw 29 which passes through bushing 31, coiled spring 33, bushing 35 then through cutter elements 25 and 27, respectively, then through nut 37, then through flange 23 where it is secured by a nut 39 shown in FIGURE 2. Cutter element 25 is inhibited in its movement by means of stop 41 abutting the rearward extension 43 of cutter 25 and also by means of shoulder 45 as shown in FIGURE 2. Spring 47 mounted on flange 231, and linked to cutter element 27 by means of plate 49, urges cutter 27 into the open position as shown. Cutter element 27 is actuated into scissoring relationship with cutter element 25 by means of roller 51 attached to plunger 53, which, in turn, is actuated by solenoid 55. The connection between roller 51 and plunger 53 is best seen in FIGURE 4.

The solenoid 55 is triggered by a microswitch 59 which, in turn, is connected to a source of electric power, not shown. The switch is normally wired for open circuit so that the switch is open when the spring-loaded leaf 61 is in the up position. The leaf 61 is pivotally mounted to the microswitch 59 by means of pin 63. The leaf is urged into the up position by means of spring 64. Attached to one end of the leaf is a saddle element 65 which is positioned behind the enlarged portion 19 of the front face 17 of frame 1. The concave portion of saddle element 65, which runs longitudinally of the enlarged portion 19, provides a path for the yarn 11 as it traverses the apparatus.

The connection between the saddle element 65 and the leaf 61 is seen best in FIGURES 8, 9, and 10. The connection is provided by the flanged element 67 which may be soldered to saddle element 65 and leaf 61. It is flanged element 67 which actually makes contact with the microswitch 59 thereby closing the circuit and energizing solenoid 55.

The microsWitch 59 and the solenoid 55 are connected by suitable wiring not shown. The ultimate source of electrical supply, not shown, is brought into the apparatus through plug 69 which is inserted in socket 71 mounted in the frame 1 from which issues the wires 73, only a portion which are shown.

FIGURE 11 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the saddle element wherein a segment 75 of the saddle element 65 is cut out. The significance of this design will be discussed later.

In operation, when it is desired to dofi the yarn package being wound, the tip of a sucker gun is inserted through the enlarged portion 15 of the front face 17 of frame 1. The sucker gun tip presses the yarn 11 against the concave portion of saddle element 65, which is being held away from contact with the microswitch 59 by means of the spring-loaded leaf 61. The pressure of the sucker gun tip against the saddle element overcomes the resistive force of the spring 64 and flanged element 67 moves into circuit closing contact with the microswitch 59 thereby causing cnergization of the solenoid 55. Energization of the solenoid in turn drives plunger 53 towards cutter element 27. Roller 51, which is connected to plunger 53, makes rolling contact with cutter element 27 thereby actuating it into scissoring relationship with its associated cutter element 25 whereby the yarn 11 is severed. Withdrawal of the sucker gun tip causes the flanged element 67 to lose contact with the microswitch 59 and the circuit is broken. Spring 47 then comes into play and urges cutter element 27 into its original open position.

The design of the apparatus herein described has lead to successful operability at high winding speeds and with relatively high tensions on the yarn as exists with heavy denier yarns. The concave shape of the saddle element not only provides a path for the yarn but also provides an airway so that the air flow into the sucker gun is not reduced or shut off when the tip is pressed against the saddle element. The result is obtained due to the fact that the structure defining the sucker gun orifice contacts the sides of the concave portion of the saddle element While the orifice itself is above, and in non-contacting relationship with, the concave portion. The embodiment of the saddle element illustrated in FIG. 11 facilitates the freedom of air flow into the sucker gun due to the cut-out portion 71.

Placement of the cutting device at a substantial distance down stream from the trigger elements aids in yarn capture :by the sucker gun. This distance, however, adds to the bulk of the apparatus which is limited by the space available on the yarn wind-up line. Tests indicate that the distance between the cutter elements and the near end of the saddle element should be at least about 0.5 inch. A distance of from about 1 to about 1.5 inches has proved very satisfactory. Also, in combination with this placement, a relatively slow cutting mechanism such as the solenoid operated scissors must be employed. With this arrangement, some of the filament in the yarn are cut and are drawn upwardly by the air stream into the tip of the sucker gun before the final filaments are cut, thus insuring entrapment of the yarn by the sucker gun. By contrast, if the cutter acts to cut all of the filaments almost simultaneously, the upper yarn end will snap upwardly with great speed due to the tension on the yarn and thus may not be trapped by the sucker gun. Even with a slower acting cutter, if the saddle element is directly adjacent the cutter, the length of the filament between the cutter and the sucker gun tip is not sufficient to insure entrapment of the first cut filaments. The provision of rolling contact between the solenoid plunger and the movable cutter element is also highly desirable in order to provide movement of the movable cutter element and thus a smooth cutting action. Direct connection of the plunger to the movable blade by pin or other means results in some distortion of the blade path when the yarn is cut. The provision of the coiled spring in conjunction with the cutter elements is to insure that pressure is maintained on the cutting edges along the entire length of the cutting edges.

The apparatus of this invention has been successfully tested on nylon tire yarn lines. Surprisingly, it has been discovered the higher the line speed, the better does the apparatus of this invention function. The reason for this result is thought to be that more cutting and raveling of the individual filaments occurs prior to complete yarn severance. Since these individual filaments can be picked up more readily by the sucker gun device than the entire yarn bundle, it is possible to get a good hold on the yarn before the yarn bundle is cut and before it snaps back into the concave portion of the saddle element.

The apparatus of this invention may also be employed With a modified version of the thread break detector of the type disclosed and claimed in United States Patent No. 3,120,587 to D. W. Rudd. This device, in a modified form, may be incorporated into the housing of the apparatus of this invention intermediate the cutter elements and the concave portion of the saddle element of the triggering device.

As many widely different embodiments of this invention may be made Without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved yarn handling mechanism for maintaining a running yarn line in an operative relationship to (l) the inlet end of a portable air-aspirated yarn sucker gun device and (2) a yarn cutter device, and then actuatable for cutting the running yarn line and causing the cut end of the incoming yarn line to be inserted into the inlet end of the yarn sucker gun device for tensioning and take-up of the cut end of the incoming yarn line, said mechanism comprising a frame, a first cutter element mounted on said frame, a second cutter element pivotally connected to said first cutter element, guide means for guiding said yarn along a path between said first and second cutter elements, a solenoid mounted on the frame for operation in response to a signal, a solenoid plunger connected to said solenoid, a roller member connected to the end of said solenoid plunger in operative relationship to said second cutter element whereby energization of said solenoid causes said roller member to move said second cutter element into scissoring relation ship with said first cutter element, means to restore the second cutter element to its initial position, means to retain the second cutter element in its initial position, trigger means mounted on said frame for actuating said solenoid, said trigger means being provided with structure defining a recess for receiving: (a) the tip of a portable yarn sucker gun device in a manner providing free air flow into the sucker gun, and (b) the advancing end of the yarn after cutting in a manner facilitating entrapment thereof by the sucker gun, said recess being longi- 5 tudinally spaced from the path of said yarn a substantial distance ahead of said cutter elements.

2. An improved yarn handling mechanism for maintaining a running yarn line in an operative relationship to (1) the inlet end of a portable air-aspirated yarn sucker gun device and (2) a yarn cutter device, and then actuatable for cutting the running yarn line and causing the cut end of the incoming yarn line to be inserted into the inlet end of the yarn sucker gun device for tensioning and take-up of the end of the incoming yarn line, said mechanism comprising a frame having a cut-out portion, permitting insertion of said sucker gun, a first cutter element mounted on said frame, a second cutter element pivotally connected to said first cutter element, guide means for guiding said yarn along a path between said first and second cutter elements, a solenoid mounted on the frame for operation in response to a signal, a solenoid plunger connected to said solenoid, a roller member connected to the end of said solenoid plunger in operative relationship to said second cutter element whereby energization of said solenoid causes said roller member to move said second cutter element into scissoring relationship with said first cutter element, means to restore the second cutter element to its initial position, means to retain the second cutter element in its initial position, trigger means mounted on said frame for actuating said solenoid, said trigger means being provided with structure defining a recess for receiving: (a) the tip of a portable yarn sucker gun device in a manner providing free air flow into the sucker gun, and (b) the advancing end of the yarn after cutting in a manner facilitating entrapment thereof by the sucker gun, said recess being longitudinally spaced from the path of said yarn a substantial distance ahead of said cutter elements Within the area provided by said cut-out portion of said frame.

3. An improved yarn handling mechanism for maintaining a running yarn line in an operative relationship to (1) the inlet end of a portable air-aspirated yarn sucker gun device and (2) a yarn cutter device, and then actuatable for cutting and the running yarn line and causing the cut end of the incoming yarn line to be inserted into the inlet end of the yarn sucker gun device for tensioning and take-up of the cut end of the incoming yarn line, said mechanism comprising a frame, a first cutter element fixedly mounted on said frame, a second cutter element pivotally connected to said first cutter element, guide means for guiding said yarn along a path between said first and second cutter elements, a solenoid mounted on the frame for operation in response to a signal, a solenoid plunger connected to said solenoid in operative relationship to said second cutter element whereby energization of said solenoid causes said second cutter element to move into scissoring relationship with said first cutter element, means to restore the second cutter element to its initial position, means to retain the second cutter element in its initial position, and trigger means mounted on said frame for actuating said solenoid, said trigger means being provided with structure defining a recess for receiving the tip of said sucker gun device, said recess being longitudinally spaced from the path of said yarn line a substantial distance ahead of said cutter elements.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 869,858 10/1907 Leidigh 83-575 2,543,596 2/1951 Penn 83-575 X 2,822,871 2/ 1958 Malck 30228 X 2,968,982 1/1961 Cousino 83--100X 3,175,290 3/1965 Bunting et al. 20-228 FOREIGN PATENTS 802,360 6/1936 France.

JAMES L. JONES, JR., Primary Examiner 

1. AN IMPROVED YARN HANDLING MECHANISM FOR MAINTAINING A RUNNING YARN LINE IN AN OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP TO (1) THE INLET END OF A PORTABLE AIR-ASPIRATED YARN SUCKER GUN DEVICE AND (2) A YARN CUTTER DEVICE, AND THEN ACTUATABLE FOR CUTTING THE RUNNING YARN LINE AND CAUSING THE CUT END OF THE INCOMING YARN LINE TO BE INSERTED INTO THE INLET END OF THE YARN SUCKER GUN DEVICE FOR TENSIONING AND TAKE-UP OF THE CUT END OF THE INCOMING YARN LINE SAID MECHANISM COMPRISING A FRAME, A FIRST CUTTER ELEMENT MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME, A SECOND CUTTER ELEMENT PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST CUTTER ELEMENT, GUIDE MEANS FOR GUIDING SAID YARN ALONG A PATH BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOND CUTTER ELEMENTS, A SOLENOID MOUNTED ON THE FRAME FOR OPERATION IN RESPONSE TO A SIGNAL, A SOLENOID PLUNGER CONNECTED TO SAID SOLENOID, A ROLLER MEMBER CONNECTED TO THE END OF SAID SOLENOID PLUNGER IN OPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP TO SAID SECOND CUTTER ELEMENT WHEREBY ENERGIZATION OF SAID SOLENOID CAUSES SAID ROLLER MEMBER TO MOVE SAID SECOND CUTTER ELEMENT INTO SCISSORING RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID FIRST CUTTER ELEMENT, MEANS TO RESTORE THE SECOND CUTTER ELEMENT TO ITS INITIAL POSITION, MEANS TO 